Shenandoah River at Bloomery

Shenandoah River at Bloomery River Right Access (east side of river) Distance to nearby accesses: It is 2.5 river miles to this access point from Shanandale Springs Landing upriver It is 0.5 miles from here downstream to Moulton Park (river left) It is 1.5 miles from here downstream to Big Eddy (river left) It is 2.0 miles from here downstream to Millville Pool (river right) Description: This is an old hand launch site under the Route 115 bridge along Wilt Road on the east side of the river. This is the first place that your Shenandoah Riverkeeper ever entered the Shenandoah to fish one summer day several decades ago. This is only suitable for wading in low summer levels. The bottom is made up through much of this area of stripes of bedrock. You can see lots of it above the surface out across from the hand launch. Beware of deep water cuts nearby. I know of very few people who float downriver from here but there are several nice short floats ranging from 0.5 miles to 2.0 miles. If you're inner-tubing then floating to Moulton Park or Big Eddy are the only options. If you're in canoe, kayak or raft and are comfortable with pretty heavy rapids (Class III+) then the float down 2.0 miles to Millville Pool is an option. Route 115 Bridge Parking: Gravel parking lot under the bridge and along the road. This is not a heavily patrolled area so don't leave valuables in site in your car. Watch for no parking signs. The River: The river averages about 100 yards wide. The river below Route 115 bridge is one of the deepest overall sections in the river. Deep catfish and bass holes predominate. There is a class I rapid right at the Route 115 bridge and another much more noteworthy one downstream 1.5 miles called Little's Falls which are class III+ Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when the water levels are over 4.o feet on the USGS Front Royal Gage 2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large objects floating in the river (floods pick these up) 3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water 4) When levels are under 1.2 feet at the USGS Front Royal Gage this float becomes very shallow for floating/boating. Leave extra time. Wear good river shoes. Staying as Safe As Possible: River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Shenandoah Riverkeeper always suggests people use one of the many river outfitters that exist along the river to rent you a tube/boat/raft and put you on an appropriate float. But for people with some experience or those who would like to venture out on their own you may wish to heed some general guidelines Including: 1) Bring much more water than you think you'll need 2) Wear your life preserver 3) Wear closed toed secure river shoes or tennis shoes at all times 4) Don't drink water from the river 5) Bring wet weather gear even on the hottest days (long summer thunderstorms can give you hypothermia) 6) If you have an open cut or scrape keep it out of the river 7) If you get a cut or scrape from the river, clean it out very very thoroughly right away and make sure no debris/algae or dirt remains in the cut. Disinfect. Keep Dry. River infections are extremely serious. If you suspect infection is developing in a cut after having contact with the river then seek medical attention immediately - emergency care if your doctor is unavailable. Signs of river infection are increasing redness or prolonged soreness, increasing swelling, wound odor and/or fever. 8) In cool weather dress in warm layers. Never wear cotton against your skin and this includes t-shirts and jeans. 9) Be aware of where you are in the river and become familiar with what your take-out point looks like if you're doing a float so you don't miss it and get stranded after dark. 10) Avoid wild animals 11) If thunderstorms develop you should have a plan which usually includes finding a place that reduces your chance of being struck by lightning and/or being hit by a falling branch or tree in high winds